OBJECTIVE:

To describe the radiographic presentation, surgical treatment, and complications of pulse-synchronous tinnitus (PST) due to sigmoid sinus diverticulum and dehiscence.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective case series.

SETTING:

Tertiary care, academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

Thirteen patients (14 ears) surgically treated for PST due to sigmoid sinus diverticulum and dehiscence.

INTERVENTION:

Transmastoid reconstruction of the sinus wall with a standardized technique.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Resolution of PST and complications of surgery.

RESULTS:

All patients had complete resolution of their PST after surgery. There were 2 major postoperative complications, neither of which resulted in permanent morbidity.

CONCLUSION:

Sigmoid sinus diverticulum and dehiscence is a surgically treatable cause of PST, with a high rate of success. The radiographic diagnosis may be subtle and easily overlooked. Complications of surgery can be serious, and vigilance must be maintained to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.